Governor Dr Hans Raj Bhardwaj Declares the "Tirumala Constructions Great Malnad Challenge 2013" Open

Online, September 21, 2013 (Newswire.com) - Through the 4th edition of The Tirumala Constructions Great Malnad Challenge 2013, ICYCLE hopes to stoke the rising interest in cycling and provide an exciting platform to, further encourage the urban population to promote the usage of bicycles not just as a civic, eco-friendly and healthy mode of transportation within the city, but also for short-distance picnics.

The Tirumala Constructions Great Malnad Challenge 2013 will start from Madikeri on October 26 and will cover the districts of Madikeri, Chikmagalur, Hassan, Dakshin Karnataka, Udupi and Shimoga to culminate at Jog Falls on Day 9. The cycle rally will pass through 6 districts, over 100 villages in 9 days and cover approximately 850 kilometers. Additionally the challenge will also see participants cycling through the 3 highest peaks and the Western Ghats in Karnataka. Madikeri, Kukke, Sakleshpur, Tarikere, Bababudangiri, Kalasa, Agumbe, Maravanthe and Jog Falls will be the 9 destination points for each of the 9 day trail. This year will mark the fourth edition of 'The Tirumala Constructions Great Malnad Challenge 2013.

Speaking on the occasion, His Excellency Dr. Hans Raj Bhardwaj, Governor of Karnataka urged the citizens of Bangalore to embrace cycling. He mentioned how he was pleasantly surprised to see how popular cycling is at many developed european countries where not just the normal citizens, even national dignitaries use this mode of transport for local commute. He further encouraged the progressive minded Bangalore citizens to take up cycling as an alternate lifestyle and make a strong statement to support the environment and civic responsibilities we have towards mother nature. At the event, he fondly recalled his younger days when he thoroughly enjoyed cycling even 30+ kms everyday.

Manjesh Chandrashekaran, President, I CYCLE said, "In order to attain our objective of adding more cyclists on to Bangalore roads and develop a healthy lifestyle, we are striving to make cycling a part of our culture. These off road, in city rallies like the one we are organizing on 12-Oct and cycle tourism are our means to develop the culture of cycling and hence healthy lifestyle."

R Mohan, Managing Director, Tirumala Constructions speaking about the association says "Tirumala Constructions has always been a staunch believer of the green theory. All our projects have adhered to green concepts and that is the reason we strongly associate with I CYCLE in their initiatives."

Smt. Lilly Samuel, recipient of the Kittur Rani Chennamma state award this year for her social work with Sandeep Seva Nilayam remarked, "At times when you don't think of driving 850 kms by yourself, here is a bunch of passionate cyclists who has been consistently doing it for over 3 years now! I remember from my younger days when a cycle was a prized possession and cycling was the 'in' thing to do as the younger generation calls it :) In today's lifestyle where your first 2 wheeler is a motorbike for most people and commute to the next grocery shop or super market happens in a motor vehicle, it is so refreshing to see a growing list of progressive citizens intentionally embracing cycling for its various direct and indirect benefits".

Joseph Franklin, Co-Founder, I CYCLE, mentioned, "The Great Malnad Challenge, which is the largest of 90 such trails that ICYCLE conducts every year, is extremely scenic and we invite anyone who thinks s/he has the endurance to complete the challenge. A 19-year-old was the youngest to take part in the challenge last year while two women also completed the trail last year", said Mr. Franklin.

Parmesh Chandrashekaran, Co-Founder I CYCLE, and who will be doing his third GMC challenge this year said, "It is one of the best ways to enjoy the true natural beauty of Karnataka. Many of our participants had never seen a large part of Malnad and Western Ghats in Karnataka. It inspired them to such levels that one of the last year's participant had been preparing his wife to participate in this year's edition. In his own words - "I never knew Karnataka was so beautiful until I did GMC 2012".

Girish, who has been a support cyclist for the last two GMC editions said, "It is so very refreshing that there is a challenge for the huge majority of passionate citizens who may not be advanced cyclists to participate in a cycling race. This is not a race rather a challenge to complete 850 kms in 9 days where all 35 the participants are winners in its truest sense. It only takes perseverence and endurance to particicpate in GMC and not racing skills which is usually reserved for high level cyclists".

Great Malnad Challenge, is the property of I CYCLE, one of the largest cycling communities in Karnataka. I CYCLE encourages people to adapt to the non-polluting vehicles and also reminds them that cycling is a healthy and economically feasible option. Through Great Malnad Challenge, I CYCLE is striving towards creating a mindset that cycling is a realistic and practical mode of transportation, with a host of benefits.

The Tirumala Constructions Great Malnad Challenge 2013 is sponsored by Tirumala Constructions and supported by Avici Info, Fever 104 FM, Wildcraft, KHS Bicycles and Sporting Miles.